Grace Thompson
Self-mortification has been a long-standing practice in Catholic theology, with roots in the Bible and the teachings of Christ. It involves denying oneself and taking up one's cross to follow Christ, often through physical austerities and penances. While some Catholics still practice self-mortification, it is generally recommended to be done prudently and under spiritual guidance, with severe mortifications discouraged. The practice has evolved over time, with internal mortification, such as enduring a headache or smiling at a difficult coworker, becoming more prevalent than external displays of self-mortification. The Catholic Church does not approve of all forms of self-mortification, especially those that lead to self-harm or are done for reasons of scrupulosity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Self-mortification practices | Fasting, flagellation, wearing a hairshirt, suspending oneself with rope in the form of a cross, binding one's tongue in an iron ring, wearing sackcloth, scourging, using the discipline (a whip, rod, or lash), wearing an iron belt |
| Reasons for self-mortification | To be free from the bonds of the body, sleep, food, and undesired thoughts, to unleash and perfect personal freedom, to be like Christ, to save souls, to be a "victim soul", to be selfless and self-sacrificing, to be perfect, to achieve excellence, to deny oneself, to be humble, to be holy, to be penitent, to be disciplined, to be virtuous, to be prudent, to be obedient, to be chaste, to be poor, to be celibate |
| Recommendations | Self-mortification should be moderate, should be done under the guidance of a spiritual director, should not be done for physical pleasure, scrupulosity, or self-glorification, should not be done by those who are scrupulous, should not be an outward show, should not be done for reasons of self-harm |
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What You'll Learn
Self-mortification should be moderate and monitored
Self-mortification, or mortification of the flesh, is a centuries-old practice in Catholicism. It involves denying oneself and unleashing and perfecting personal freedom. While it is a biblical practice, it should be moderate and monitored.
The Bible speaks of mortification in the Old and New Testaments. For instance, in Romans 8:13, Saint Paul says, "If you live a life of nature, you are marked out for death; if you mortify the ways of nature through the power of the Spirit, you will have life." Christ himself told his disciples to mortify themselves: "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matt 16:24, DRC).
The Desert Fathers emphasised that mortification is a means, not an end. They recommended prudence when practising mortification, with severe mortifications performed only under the guidance of a spiritual director. The practice should not be done for physical pleasure or due to scrupulosity, which is similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder. For example, fasting due to anorexia nervosa is considered harmful.
Catholics may practice internal mortification, such as offering up a headache or a bad day to God. Smiling at a difficult coworker and praying for them can also be considered mortification.
Some saints have historically practised extreme mortification. For example, Saint Francis of Assisi practised vigils, fasts, frequent flagellations, and wore a hairshirt. Saint Catherine of Siena fasted for long periods, only subsisting on the Blessed Sacrament, wore sackcloth, and scourged herself daily. Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, at three years old, expressed her desire to practice mortification.
While mortification is a spiritual practice, it should be moderate and monitored. Jesuit Father Mihaly Szentmartoni, director of the Spirituality Institute at Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University, stated that mortification practices such as fasting and moderate flagellation should be performed with prudence and under the guidance of a spiritual director. Cardinal Georges Cottier, a theologian of the papal household, agreed that self-mortification should be prudent and never without a spiritual guide, as pathological abuses are always possible.
Therefore, while self-mortification is a biblical and historical practice in Catholicism, it should be approached with caution and moderation, and those practising it should seek guidance from a spiritual director to avoid potential abuses and harm.
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Self-harm vs external mortification
Self-harm and mortification are two different concepts, with the latter being a Christian and particularly Catholic practice. Self-harm is driven by mental illness and delusional thoughts, and is a reaction to not understanding how to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental ailments. It is often impulsive, and can lead to fatal accidents and death. Self-harm is not a controlled action and does not have a purpose beyond inflicting harm.
Mortification, on the other hand, is about correcting internal sinful nature and sanctifying oneself through self-denial. It is rooted in the Bible, with Saint Paul stating: "If you live a life of nature, you are marked out for death; if you mortify the ways of nature through the power of the Spirit, you will have life." (Romans 8:13, DRC). It is connected with Christ's sacrifice on the Cross, and his encouragement for his disciples to deny themselves and follow him. Mortification is meant to be a means to an end, and severe mortifications are to be done only under the guidance of a spiritual director.
While self-harm is an impulsive reaction driven by mental illness, mortification is a spiritual practice meant to train "the soul to virtuous and holy living." Self-harm is dangerous and can lead to fatal consequences, whereas mortification, when practised correctly, is meant to help one focus on spiritual benefit. Self-harm is an individual act, whereas mortification can be practised in community, such as in processions of public flagellation during Lent and Holy Week.
Some may argue that self-harm and mortification are not easily distinguishable, and that the actions of the saints, such as fasting and flagellation, resemble self-harm. However, mortification is meant to be practised with prudence and under guidance, and is not meant to be an outward show. Self-harm, on the other hand, is often a cry for help and a sign of distress.
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The Bible and Saints as references for mortification
The Bible and Saints provide several references for mortification in Catholic theology. The Bible mentions mortification in the Epistle to the Romans, where Saint Paul states:
> "If you live a life of nature, you are marked out for death; if you mortify the ways of nature through the power of the Spirit, you will have life." (Romans 8:13, DRC)
Saint Paul also refers to mortification in Galatians 5:24, stating:
> "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."
Christ himself encouraged his disciples to mortify themselves, as mentioned in Matthew 16:24:
> "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
The Bible also provides examples of mortification practices in the Old Testament, where individuals fasted and wore sackcloth to appease God. The nazirites, for instance, took vows to abstain from alcohol.
Moving to the New Testament, Saint John the Baptist is often regarded as a clear example of a person practising mortification.
Various saints throughout history have also been associated with mortification practices. Saint Francis of Assisi, who is believed to have received stigmata, is known for his penances, including vigils, fasts, flagellations, and the use of a hairshirt. Saint Catherine of Siena, a Doctor of the Church, is another example. She practised austerities such as fasting and subsisting on the Blessed Sacrament, wearing sackcloth, and scourging herself.
Saint Thomas More, the 16th-century Lord Chancellor of England, also wore a hairshirt and practised mortification. Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Saint Teresa of Ávila, and Saint Therese of the Child Jesus are other notable saints who embraced severe mortification practices.
In the 19th century, St. Jean Vianney, known for converting hundreds in laicist France, stood out for his voluntary affliction of the body, including abstaining from food and sleep and performing harsh penances.
The practice of mortification among saints also extended to modern times, with reports of Pope John Paul II engaging in self-mortification, including flagellation.
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Mortification as a means, not an end
The practice of mortification, or self-mortification, has a long history in Catholic theology and tradition. It is rooted in the Bible, with references in the Old and New Testaments, and has been a means of spiritual discipline and self-discipline for many Christians. However, it is important to note that mortification is seen as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself.
The Desert Fathers, for example, emphasised prudence when practising mortification, recommending that severe mortifications should only be done under the guidance of a spiritual director. This is because mortification can be a delicate practice, and there is a fine line between penitent actions and self-harm or abuse. As such, mortification for physical pleasure or due to scrupulosity (similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder) is considered a sin and harmful. Catholic moral theologians advise against mortification in such cases and recommend spiritual direction and psychological help instead.
The Roman Catholic Church has traditionally held mortification of the flesh as a worthy spiritual practice, connected to Christ's sacrifice on the Cross. Saints throughout history, such as Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Catherine of Siena, and Saint Thomas More, have engaged in austerities and self-inflicted penances like fasting, flagellation, and the use of hairshirts. However, these practices are not meant to be displays of self-harm or masochism, but rather a means of denying oneself and gaining control over one's weaknesses, passions, and impulses.
In the modern age, the practice of mortification has evolved, and most Catholics tend to focus on internal mortification. This can include offering up everyday struggles, like a headache or a difficult coworker, as a form of mortification. It is about correcting one's internal sinful nature and sanctifying oneself through self-denial. While mortification of the flesh is still practised within the Catholic Church, it is not meant to be an outward show. Instead, it is a private and personal act, often done in secret, as a means of drawing closer to Christ and perfecting oneself.
While mortification has been a traditional practice in Catholicism, it is not without its critics. Some argue that self-harm for mortification is morbid and unchristian, and that our bodies, as temples of the Holy Spirit, should be treated with respect. The Church itself has also recognised the potential for abuse, with experts emphasising that mortification should be practised in moderation and under proper guidance. It is seen as a means to spiritual growth and perfection, not as an end in itself, and should be approached with prudence and discernment.
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The different forms of mortification
Self-mortification, or mortification of the flesh, is a spiritual practice in Catholicism that involves denying oneself and taking up one's cross to follow Jesus. While it is seen as a means of spiritual discipline, not all forms of self-mortification are approved by the Catholic Church. The Church recommends prudence and moderation in its practice, and only under the guidance of a spiritual director. Here are some of the different forms that self-mortification can take:
Fasting
Fasting is a common form of self-mortification, where individuals forgo food for a period of time. This practice is seen in the Old Testament prophets, who fasted and wore sackcloth to save their people, and in the Apostles, who imposed severe fasts on their bodies. St. Catherine of Siena is known for subsisting for long periods on nothing but the Blessed Sacrament.
Flagellation
Flagellation, or self-flagellation, involves inflicting pain on oneself, often using a whip, rod, or lash. This practice is also known as "the discipline." St. Francis of Assisi and St. Francis De Sales are known to have practised flagellation.
Use of Hairshirts
A hairshirt is a garment made of rough material, such as goat hair, worn as a form of penance. It is intended to be uncomfortable and is believed to help the wearer focus on penance and mortification. St. Francis of Assisi, St. Thomas More, and St. Francis De Sales are known to have worn hairshirts.
Other Physical Discomforts
Some individuals may engage in other forms of physical discomfort, such as wearing an iron belt, using chains, or placing pebbles in their shoes. These practices are seen as a way to inflict pain on the flesh and deny physical comforts.
Internal Mortification
Internal mortification refers to offering up one's daily struggles and annoyances to God. For example, enduring a headache or dealing with a difficult coworker can be seen as a form of mortification when offered as a sacrifice.
While these practices are rooted in Catholic theology and biblical teachings, it is important to distinguish between penance and self-harm. Self-harm is not condoned in Catholicism, and individuals with mental health issues or scrupulosity are advised against practising self-mortification.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some Catholics still practice self-mortification. However, it is not supposed to be an outward show and is widely regarded as an internal practice.
Self-mortification is the practice of denying oneself and inflicting pain or discomfort on oneself for religious or spiritual reasons. It is rooted in the Bible, with references in the Old and New Testaments.
Catholics practice self-mortification as a form of penance, sacrifice, and self-discipline. It is seen as a way to connect with the suffering of Christ and to deny one's selfish desires and impulses.
Examples of self-mortification practices include fasting, flagellation, wearing sackcloth or hair shirts, and inflicting pain through physical objects such as chains or pebbles in shoes. Some people also interpret enduring internal struggles, such as dealing with a difficult coworker, as a form of self-mortification.
The Catholic Church has a nuanced view of self-mortification. While it is recognized as a part of Christian tradition, the Church emphasizes that it should be practiced in moderation and under the guidance of a spiritual director. Not all forms of self-mortification are approved by the Church, and practices that involve severe physical harm are generally frowned upon.
